Dragons, Eagles set for historic showdown

JEFFERSON -- Neither T McFerrin nor Frank Caputo are new to the coaching game. Between the two of them are over 400 wins and a slew of region titles, including a state crown for the legendary McFerrin in 1995.

But for the programs they currently lead, Friday’s showdown of two unbeaten teams is certainly something of a rarity. And the wave of excitement it’s creating at both Jefferson and East Jackson should provide an electric atmosphere on Friday night at the Dragons’ Memorial Stadium.

“I’ve been in some games like this, and it’s certainly going to be a big build-up for this one and a huge crowd here,” Jefferson coach McFerrin said.

“It’s like I told the boys when we were playing North Oconee two weeks ago, ‘guys, relax and enjoy it because you don’t get to do this kind of thing very often,’ ” East Jackson coach Caputo said.

Indeed, some programs have opened and closed without a contest of this measure. East Jackson (9-0, 8-0 Region 8-AA), however, has managed it in just its third year of existence.

And while Jefferson (9-0, 8-0) has won four region titles in its history (1971, ’75, ’77 and 2008 -- the Dragons also finished as Class A runners-up in ’75 and ’77), it’s been a while since the fourth-ranked Dragons were in a season finale of such importance and regard. Last season, Jefferson did face North Oconee for the 8-AA title in week nine, but the Titans were 8-1 at that point -- though this year’s finale could prove just as tight as that contest (a 17-16 win for the Dragons).

“I think it’ll be a playoff atmosphere, and that’s really what it is,” McFerrin said. “There’s a lot riding on the game. It’s a county game. Bragging rights will go through this, and it’s already a rivalry. Every way you look at it, it’s a huge game.

As the experienced winners, Jefferson enters the contest as favorites -- though Caputo says his Eagles won’t be feeling any pressure after already securing 8-AA’s second seed.

“They’ve got 19 straight [regular season] wins under their belt with that crew, and they have a winning mentality; we’ve never been in this situation before,” he said. “We’re just going to relax and enjoy it because we’re not the defending champs. When you’ve got to defend the championship, you’ve got a little different kind of light on you than the other guys.”

This season, the lights have shown brightly on both offenses, as each enters with impressive numbers. The Dragons’ multiple attack is averaging 40.3 points per contest, while the Eagles wing-T is not far behind at 37.1.

East Jackson features a number of running backs, including standout fullback Deon Sewell. The 5-foot-9, 180-pound senior has paced the Eagles ground game all season with 929 yards and 15 touchdowns on 99 carries and has the speed to break long runs any time he touches the ball. Yet Sewell is not alone and is joined in the backfield by a number of capable halfbacks, including sophomore C.J. Allen, who is second on the team with 663 yards. For the season, East Jackson has rushed for 2,725 yards.

Quarterback Evan Williamson also has the arm to keep opposing defenses honest, as he showed against North Oconee, making several big throws to help push East Jackson past the then-undefeated Titans in an 18-10 on Oct. 23.

“This week we’re facing a great offensive team -- and they’re not bad on defense -- they’re just so explosive on offense,” McFerrin said. “East Jackson has got so much speed. They’ve got great running backs, and their quarterback really throws the ball well. We’ve got to keep them from making big plays and try to contain that wing-T running game.”

Meanwhile, Caputo knows his 3-3 stack defense faces a tall task in containing a number of Dragons playmakers, including quarterback Darius Minor (767 yards passing, 528 rushing, 12 total TDs) and running back Lucas Redd (624 yards rushing, 12 TDs). The Dragons have also begun lining up Redd at quarterback in a wildcat formation. So far, Jefferson has outgained opponents 3,232 to 1,890.

Yet as impressive as their skill position players are, Caputo is even more impressed by Jefferson’s lines of scrimmage.

“They have a physical line, but if we can get on them and stay on them, we’ve got a chance,” Caputo said. "I don’t know if we can get on those kids, but we’ll see. It will come down to the offensive and defensive fronts for each team.”

Whatever happens, the Eagles head man expects a tight battle to the end.

“I think it’ll be a close game,” Caputo said. “ I know we’re just a third-year school, and I think most things swing in their favor this time. But I just think it’s going to be a good game.”


-- EAST JACKSON at JEFFERSON

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Jefferson, Memorial Stadium
RADIO: Majic 102.9 FM
EAST JACKSON: (9-0, 8-0 Region 8-AA) Defeated Dawson County 41-0 last week.
JEFFERSON: (9-0, 8-0 Region 8-AA) Defeated North Oconee 20-6 last week. The Dragons are ranked fourth in Class AA by the coaches poll, seventh by the AP.
LAST MEETING: Jefferson won 48-0 on Nov. 7, 2008. The Dragons lead the series 1-0.